Now in it 56th year, the Derby Boab Quest has become an integral part of the Derby Boab Festival. Each year entrants are nominated for their outstanding work in supporting local charities through community fundraising events. The Boab Quest is a way we can all acknowledge the people in our community who give freely of their time to support those in need.

Hi, my name is Sarah Heppell, and I am proud to be the Boab Quest entrant for Derby District High School this year. I was born and raised in Perth by parents who love camping, fishing, and four-wheel-driving. I have fond memories of travelling through the Kimberley and up the Gibb River Road as a child. Fast forward 25 years, and I’ve returned to the Kimberley region to work as a School Psychologist in Derby and surrounding communities after completing post-graduate university studies in psychology and education. Over the last year, I have immersed myself in the Derby lifestyle and culture, getting to know people and their stories along the way. There’s something magical about Derby town and I’ll never stop exploring and learning about this amazing country.
I am excited and honoured to be representing DDHS to raise valuable funds for our school. As a School Psychologist, I am passionate about the mental health and wellbeing of our students and families. Over the boab season, I will be raising funds for our school to provide valuable programs and resources to youth who are ‘doing it tough’ and need support, as well as our entire school community by promoting happy, healthy minds amongst our next generation.
I am hoping to organise some fun and exciting events for our community this boab season. I am really excited to see the positive impact of our fundraising on the school community for years to come. I look forward to meeting you all at my upcoming events and raising well-needed funds for our school!

Alice Rae Shadforth | 2017 Boab Quest Runner Up

Hi my name is Alice Rae Shadforth, I was born and raised in Derby.
I am the Boab Quest Entrant for Ngunga Women’s Group Aboriginal Corporation.
I enjoy spending time with friends and family, I am a loyal person with a warm, loving and caring nature, I enjoy, fishing, camping, art and footy. I am passionate about my people as it breaks my heart to see my people struggling, and I am also passionate about art. I love to help people, and I strive to do the best I can to help out in the community. I come from a large family, I try my best to be a good role model to my younger siblings and cousins.

Working at Ngunga Women’s Group, I have that opportunity to help people out, therefore I want to represent Ngunga well, and help with proceeds towards Ngunga Women’s Group Opportunity Shop (Op-Shop).

Join the long and illustrious list of past Boab Quest Entrants

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2016 Boab Quest winner JESSICA ELLIS

Boab Quest Charity winner COURTNEY McKEAN

Runner up REBEKAH O'MEARA

Please contact: Lynnel Buckle.e-mail: boabfestival@gmail.com

Jessica Ellis | 2016 Boab Quest Winner

Hi my name is Jessica Ellis; I am born and raised in Derby. I completed up to year 10 at Derby District High School (DDHS), and then returned after boarding school to a range of positions around town. In 2012, I moved to Perth to complete tertiary studies. Last year, I graduated at Edith Cowan with a Bachelor of Education (Primary) and have been at DDHS since. Having grown up in Derby, I feel honored and excited to be involved in the long running Boab Quest and to be representing such a worthy recipient. Over the boab season, I am raising funds to upgrade and renovate collaborative learning areas into safe, inviting zones for students to learn.

I look forward to seeing you at the upcoming events, for myself and the other boab entrants.

Courtney Mckean | 2016 Boab Quest Charity Winner

My name is Courtney McKean and I have lived and worked in Derby for the past two years. I grew up in Perth and went to university in Fremantle, graduating with my Physiotherapy degree in 2012. Since moving to the Kimberley region I have provided Physio services to Derby and Fitzroy townships and their surrounding communities. This outreach service and remote travel is one of the many reasons why I love working here.
I have embraced the small town lifestyle by joining Derby Volunteer Fire & Rescue, the Masters Swim Squad and regularly attend events throughout town. In my spare time I love exploring this amazing part of the country by car and boat, and meeting people and hearing their stories along the way. With all the fun I have here I can’t see myself returning to the city any time soon!
My fundraising will be going towards a playground outside the Children’s Ward at Derby Hospital. I hope this is something that can put a smile on a sick child’s face, and make being away from home (however far away that may be) a little more comforting. I hope you can make it down to the events to support me and the hospital.

Rebekah O'Meara | 2016 Runner Up

Hi, my name is Rebekah O’Meara, and I am the Boab Quest entrant for 6DBY. I am a local Derby girl who is passionate about Leadership and developing programs for the youth in the region. I am currently studying a Cert III in Screen and Media and am hoping to raise enough funds to run a junior music program for talent youth in the region as well as those who would like to take up music lessons. I am hoping to upgrade the resources at the not for profit, community run radio station, and would love to see Derby as vibrant and full of activates as it was when I was a kid.